Your Guide to Invisible Aligners for Teeth

Misalignment issues of the teeth can have a wide array of implications on dental health and other aspects of life. If you are interested in addressing misaligned teeth or other aesthetic issues, a consultation with your dentist will help you find out about different straightening options, including invisible aligners for teeth.

Misalignment issues can be mild, moderate or severe. Some patients require cosmetic dental treatment while others require long-term orthodontic treatment. Although there are many different options thanks to advances in dental technology, the last few decades have seen a surge in popularity of invisible aligners for teeth straightening.

Invisalign

The first invisible aligners for teeth straightening introduced to the general public were created by Invisalign in 1998. Invisalign uses clear, thermoplastic aligners to straighten mild or moderate misalignment. These aligners are BPA-free, medical grade and hypoallergenic. They are suitable for patients of all ages and have been used by over 18 million patients across the world.

How do Invisible Aligners Work?

Invisalign and other invisible aligners for teeth straightening such as Spark and 6 Month Smiles work in the same way. To begin with, your dentist will ensure your teeth and gums are healthy, as any type of orthodontic treatment puts pressure on these areas of the mouth. If your teeth or gums are already weak, either as a result of tooth decay or gum disease, orthodontic treatment can worsen your symptoms.

Next, the dentist is likely to carry out a simple three-dimensional scan to create a digital image of your mouth. This image can then be manipulated to show you how invisible aligners for your teeth can achieve optimal alignment. If you are happy with the predicted results, the scan is used to create a series of aligners that will help you achieve the desired outcome. The number of aligners needed will vary from patient to patient depending on the severity of your alignment issues. The shape and size of each aligner also varies to fit your mouth with accuracy and precision, ensuring the process is as comfortable as possible as it progresses.

These tailored aligners are then made using an advanced 3D printing process. Once they are ready, you can collect them from your dentist. Each aligner is designed to be worn for one to two weeks until you move on to the next aligner in the series. It is recommended that you wear your aligner for at least approximately 20 hours of the day. You should visit your dentist after every three or four aligners to ensure the process is running smoothly. Once desired alignment has been achieved you can speak to your dentist to find out about a permanent retainer that will help maintain your newly aligned smile.

Advantages of Invisible Aligners for Teeth Straightening

Patients across the world prefer invisible aligners for teeth straightening in comparison to traditional orthodontic methods. This is primarily because invisible aligners for teeth straightening are discreet. This is ideal for teenagers and adults alike who feel self-conscious or embarrassed by their teeth and want to avoid drawing further attention to their mouth. It is also an ideal option for straightening your teeth without anyone knowing that you are undergoing orthodontic treatment.

The convenience and simplicity of invisible aligners for teeth straightening is ideal for the modern lifestyle. Invisible aligners can be removed and replaced as necessary and you can enjoy all your favourite foods without any restriction unlike other orthodontic treatments. You can also take your aligners out for special occasions.

Another advantage of invisible aligners is that you can continue to maintain a good dental hygiene routine and clean your teeth thoroughly which may not always be possible with other treatment options.

Invisible aligners for teeth straightening are also reportedly less painful than other fixed alternatives. They are made of smooth plastic to avoid any cuts or scratches in the mouth and, although they may feel tight for the first 24 hours, patients usually become accustomed to the sensation of having them in the mouth soon thereafter.

Are Invisible Aligners for Teeth Straightening Suitable for You?

Invisible aligners can be used for cosmetic or orthodontic purposes. They can also be used by patients who have already undergone orthodontic treatment previously. As mentioned, they can be used by patients of all ages. You can discuss your options with your dentist who will put together an individually tailored treatment plan for you.

Benefits of Teeth Straightening

There are many benefits of using invisible aligners for teeth straightening. Not only do they improve the aesthetic appearance of your teeth but they also help improve your dental health. Your teeth will become easier to clean, with fewer hard to reach areas in which bacteria and food particles can hide. Straighter teeth are also less prone to damage than those that are crooked or misaligned, and overall teeth straightening can help prevent tooth loss in the future.

With invisible aligners for teeth, straightening can be achieved in as little as six months for patients who have mild or moderate misalignment issues. The sooner you speak to your dentist, the earlier you can enjoy the benefits.